NORTH OF BANGKOK
Ayutthaya

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Center :  Accessible either by road or by river, 70 kms north of Bangkok, this is the main centre for the Foundation for Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT), which was established by Her Majesty the Queen to teach villagers various arts and handicrafts that would allow them to earn a supplementary income after the rice harvest. Through this foundation, Her Majesty has succeeded in reviving many of Thailand’s traditional arts and crafts that were in danger of disappearing. Products and activities which can be seen here are such as “lipao”(fern vine) basketry, artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dyeing, wood carving, miniature hand-modelled Thai dools, and furniture.

The-acre landscaped grounds also contains a small zoo and bird sanctuary.

Bang Pa In Royal Summer Palace :  A summer palace of Thai monarchs since the  17^th century, Bang Pa-In has a charming collection of palaces and pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles surrounded by beautiful gardens and a lake. Also of interest is Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a temple built in the form of a Gothic style church during the reign of King Chulalongkorn.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkol : This temple was built by King U-Thong in 1357 for meditation. In 1592, King Naresuan constructed the temple’s large pagoda, now in ruin, to commemorate his victory over the Burmese invaders.

Ancient Palace : The palace was originally built by King U-Thong in the 14^th century and was expanded over the years. These pavilions were completely destroyed in 1767, leaving only brick foundations, porticos and walls. The Tri Muk Building was rebuilt in its original style during the reign of King Chulalongkorn in 1907.

Further North :

The mountains and cool climate of the North make the region perfect for growing temperate climate fruit, vegetables and flowers. A number of royal initiated projects have been set up, many of which have replaced poppy growing as an income earner for the hill tribes people.

Huay Phak Phai Royal Project : This research station comprises 12 rai of hillside land covered with roses of various kinds.

At Huay Luek Royal Project, hill tribes grow and sell cantaloupe and other fruit, vegetables and temperate flowers.

Doi Ang Khang : Apart from fruit, vegetables and fruit, the hill tribes here maintain a bonsai garden.

Inthanon Royal Project : This is another station for temperate crops grown and sold by hill tribes people.

Orchid Farm : Located on the Mae Rim Samerng Highway, this is the largest orchid farm in Chiang Mai. Apart from the variety of orchid species, there is a butterfly farm, and a Siamese cat farm.